Buyer-Seller Interfaces and Methods for Disparate Network Systems

ABSTRACT

An electronic transaction interface circuit routes transaction data for processing using disparate electronic payment systems. According to an example embodiment, a software-programmed computer interface circuit receives transaction data from a point-of-sale device, and routes the data according to identifier data in the transaction data. Certain sets of transaction data are routed directly to a payment network, and other sets of transaction data are routed to an electronic payment processing system that selects and routes data upon disparate payment networks for each of a buyer and seller involved in a transaction to which the transaction data corresponds. Some embodiments involve selecting the disparate payment networks based upon selection rule data defined by buyer and/or seller participants in the transactions.

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

This patent document claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/991,410, entitled“Buyer-Seller Interfaces and Methods for Disparate Network Systems” toDickelman, Mark and filed on Nov. 30, 2007, which is fully incorporatedherein by reference as describing and illustrating subject matter (inpart(s) or in its entirety) that can be practiced with the subjectmatter disclosed herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to computer-automated devices, systemsand methods relating to data processing involving accounting records,and as an example, to systems and methods for automated computer systemsand networks implemented as may be found in a control center of afinancial institution.

BACKGROUND

Computer systems and networks that process data in control centers forfinancial institutions have struggled to keep up with the everincreasingly complex and expanding variety of electronic transaction andaccounting data, particularly as more and more transactions are carriedout using electronic payment, which is often a credit-based payment.Electronic data used in effecting payment relates and leads up toimplementations of payment systems and associated payment networks,which generally employ proprietary-type processing functions and requirerelatively complex interactivity with electronic systems operated byentities for which payment is processed (e.g., merchant point-of-sale(POS) devices).

Generally, associated payment networks involve two primary components.The first component is a seller or merchant access network (e.g.,Elavon®) that provides connection to the POS devices (e.g., directly orvia merchant internal networks) and identification of the type ofpayment account (e.g., Visa® or Voyager®). A second component includespayment processing networks that process payment instructions based onestablished agreements by parties participating in the processing ofpayment. Generally, these payment processing networks are one of twodifferent categories, proprietary networks (e.g., Voyager®) orassociation networks. Examples of association networks include thenetworks provided by VISA® and MASTERCARD® and/or the particularacquiring/issuing banks. For a particular transaction, the operator ofthe association network controls the flow of funds for the transaction.Often, this includes a fee that is passed on to the seller, such as apercentage of the transaction. The participating sellers have anagreement with the network (e.g., VISA or MASTERCARD), but do not have atransactional relationship between one another with respect to theassociation network transactions.

These types of transactions have generally been implemented by sellershaving an existing relationship with a particular bank, and ofteninvolve the use of a transaction card or corresponding account involvingone or more of a credit or debit type of account structure. When apurchase is made, the seller sends transaction information to the bank,which is sometimes referred to as the acquiring bank. The acquiring bankcan forward payment information to another bank that issued the buyer'saccount (e.g., a credit card issuer), which is often referred to as anissuing bank. In many instances, payment processing networks assigninterchange fees for these types of transactions. These fees are paidbetween the parties based on the type of transaction, authentication andlocation, and may be passed on to the seller.

An example proprietary network involves a merchant-provided in-storecredit or debit account (e.g., an account provided by Target Corporationfor use in purchasing goods from a store operated thereby). A seller ora seller-contracted third party facilitates the settlement,authorization and/or other functions associated with transactionsinvolving the in-store account. In some instances, sellers formbilateral agreements with other sellers to allow use of a network bymultiple sellers and/or to coordinate the use of multiple networksbetween multiple sellers. For instance, two department stores may forman agreement to allow the use of a common proprietary networkcards/account at either store, or they may allow use of two differentproprietary network cards/accounts (i.e., one from each store) at eitherstore.

A few networks are operated to allow a single (multi-purpose) card(e.g., a physical transaction card with data thereon, or a correspondingaccount) to provide access to more than one related credit and/or debittype of account. The card interfaces with a network that would otherwisesupport one or more of the accounts, and a user of the card (cardholder)can designate a desired one of the accounts to use. However, the buyermust still carry the multi-purpose card for use and can only use themulti-purpose card at locations that support that particular card, andthe transactions are generally processed using the selected account andits related proprietary-type of payment network.

In this complex and ever expanding background of various paymentnetworks, consumers have an increasing number of accounts from whichthey can access funds for purchases (e.g., credit, debit, insurance,health-savings accounts, money markets, investment and retirement).These accounts can vary with respect to their respective fees, taximplications, interest rates, limitations on withdraw amounts and anumber of other properties. Often the consumer is forced to spendconsiderable time and effort to manage such accounts and associatedtransactions. For example, considerable time and effort can be expendedin determining how to best apply specific transactions and/or purchaseditems to the various accounts. In some instances, the actualimplementation of such a determination can be just as difficult.

Another challenge to the implementation and management of transactionprocessing systems and, to some degree, merchant-specific types ofaccounts relates to the lack of volume of buyers (and/or sellers) thatmay be associated with the systems and accounts. For instance,relatively small merchants may find it difficult to promote and operatea transaction account and related system where the volume of users isrelatively low.

The above and other matters remain challenging to the implementation,operation and sustained growth of card and related types of accounts,and the electronic transactions and interactions related to the same.

SUMMARY

The present invention is exemplified in a number of embodiments,implementations and applications, some of which are summarized below.

According to an example embodiment, a software-programmed computerinterface circuit is configured for use in a system that facilitateselectronic payment between sellers providing goods or services to buyerspaying for the goods or services, the electronic payment being providedbetween disparate, autonomous payment networks of the buyers andsellers. The interface circuit includes an electronic interface inputcircuit and a software-programmed computer routing circuit. Theelectronic interface input circuit receives, from a seller point-of-saledevice and over at least one of the autonomous payment networks, sets oftransaction data for respective transactions, each set of transactiondata including a buyer identifier, a seller identifier, and atransaction amount. The software-programmed computer routing circuitroutes the sets of transaction data for certain ones of the transactionsto a payment network for settlement between the buyer and seller. Therouting circuit also routes the sets of transaction data for certainother ones of the transactions to an electronic payment processingsystem for executing electronic payment between a payment network forthe buyer and a disparate, autonomous payment network for the seller.

Another example embodiment is directed to a computer-implemented method(e.g., executed algorithm) for use in a system that facilitateselectronic payment between sellers providing goods or services to buyerspaying for the goods or services, the electronic payment being providedbetween disparate, autonomous payment networks of the buyers andsellers. The method includes receiving, from a seller point-of-saledevice and over at least one of the autonomous payment networks, sets oftransaction data for respective transactions, each set of transactiondata including a buyer identifier, a seller identifier, and atransaction amount. Sets of transaction data for certain ones of thetransactions are routed to a payment network for settlement between thebuyer and seller. Sets of transaction data for certain other ones of thetransactions are routed to an electronic payment processing system forexecuting electronic payment between a payment network for the buyer anda disparate, autonomous payment network for the seller.

Another example embodiment is directed to a computer-readable storagemedium for storing electronic data that, when executed by asoftware-programmed computer processor circuit, causes the processorcircuit to implement the aforesaid steps.

In connection with another example embodiment, a computer-implementedsystem facilitates electronic payment between sellers providing goods orservices to buyers paying for the goods or services. The payment isprovided between disparate payment networks of the buyers and sellersand the buyers collectively using a plurality of electronic buyeridentifier types, each identifier type issued for use with one or morepayment networks. The system includes a plurality of electronic datainterfaces and a software-programmed computer routing circuit. Theelectronic data interfaces each receive sets of electronic transactiondata, each data set including buyer identifier data, seller identifierdata, and data identifying a transaction amount, each interfaceaccepting data representing a respective subset of the buyer identifiertypes. The software-programmed computer routing circuit routes the setsof electronic transaction data from the plurality of interfaces to arouting circuit that routes the transaction data to an electronicpayment network that is different from the one or more payment networksfor which the electronic identifier type is issued.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thedetailed description of various embodiments of the invention thatfollows in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a system for implementing a transaction using disparateseller and buyer networks, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1B shows a system for implementing a transaction using disparateseller and buyer networks, according to another example embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram for a system, according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a data flow diagram for network selection, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows an electronic buyer-seller interface system, according toanother example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 shows another buyer-seller interface system, according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety ofdifferent types of transaction processing systems and related integratedcommunications, management control, and has been found to beparticularly useful for applications involving disparate, autonomouspayment networks. While the present invention is not necessarily limitedto such approaches, various aspects of the invention may be appreciatedthrough a discussion of various examples using these and other contexts.

A number of different embodiments of the present invention are directedto one or more of the components and methods described, in thisdocument, in connection with disparate payment systems. A discussion ofthe overall system functionality can be useful in understanding theindividual components and methods.

Consistent with an example embodiment of the present invention, anapproach to processing payment involves controlling interactions betweendisparate, autonomous payment processing networks to process differentpayment aspects for a common set of transaction data received for aparticular transaction. For instance, when a merchant (i.e., seller)transmits point-of-sale purchase data including a transaction amount andbuyer's account data (e.g., obtained from a credit-type or debit-typecard or related account number associated therewith), an integratedprocessor receives the point-of-sale data and coordinates electronicfunds transfers with two or more of the autonomous networks. In thiscontext, a single card or account can be used as a manner in which toaccess a plurality of payment networks, and payment for a commontransaction can be effected using disparate, autonomous networks that,absent the integrated processor, would not otherwise be capable ofcommunicating with one another. In many aspects, such an approachinvolves interacting with payment networks configured and operated foroperating independently, to respectively provide payment to a merchantand effect settlement from a buyer, with these functions now carried outvia the integrated processor.

These payment processing approaches are amenable to use in processingpayment using a multitude of different payment approaches and scenariosinvolving one or more accounts and participating networks for buyers,merchants or other transaction participants. For example, someembodiments are directed to providing payment from a buyer using a firstpayment processing network (e.g., a Elavon® and/or VISA® network asdescribed above) to obtain account information for the buyer, andproviding settlement to a merchant using a different account (and itsrelated payment network) for the buyer. Other embodiments are directedto using different accounts and related payment networks for effectingpayment and for providing settlement for the buyer. Other embodimentsare directed to using different accounts and related payment networksfor collecting an initial pre-payment (e.g., an immediate payment from athird party) for collecting subsequent payment from the buyer and, whereappropriate, for providing settlement for the pre-payment. Still otherembodiments are directed to providing payment from a buyer using anaccount for the buyer and its related payment processing network, andproviding electronic funds from the payment to a merchant account thatuses a different payment network. Other combinations of networks arealso used in connection with various embodiments.

As should be appreciated, the central/integrated processor can thuscoordinate interactions between a multitude of different accounts anddifferent payment networks, and can do so using a single account for aparticular transaction participant in order to access other accounts forthe participant. For instance in transaction involving the sale of goodsor services from a seller to a buyer, a payment network can be selectedfor the buyer that is disparate from the payment network used by sellerby using a standardized card or a proprietary network, or other buyeridentification sufficient upon which to authorize payment. This can beuseful for allowing a buyer to use a standardized card and a sellerhaving only access to (or preferring the use of) a proprietary network.Payment authorization may involve an audit, which may include comparingdata from one or more of a buyer-based audit, seller-based audit or anaudit based upon a third party operating the central/integratedprocessor. The results of the audit can be provided to the selectednetworks and used, for example as indication that the transaction can goforward (e.g., validation regarding the transaction amount and source).

Payment accounts and related networks are selected using one or more ofa variety of approaches. In some embodiments, user profiles with anyappropriate rules are stored and used to identify and select anavailable account for effecting payment for a transaction. Theseprofiles (and rules) can be stored for buyers and, as appropriate,sellers. In some applications, an account and related payment network isselected automatically using profiles and related rules. In otherinstances, user input is obtained in order to select a payment account,to allow a buyer and/or seller to directly select and control the use ofa particular payment account. In all of these instances, parties to aparticular transaction need not have direct knowledge of account andrelated payment network for other parties to the transaction, andfurther do not need to participate in any agreement with a paymentnetwork used by another party. In addition, such approaches may becarried out using a processor (e.g., a computer) that uses profiles,rules and transaction information to selecting, routing and otherwiseimplementing associated accounts and related payment networks.

While not necessarily limited thereto, various embodiments are directedto the implementation of processor arrangements and systems, consistentwith discussion herein, at financial institutions such as bankinginstitutions that are well suited for making use of network and accountaccess. For instance, banking institutions have many existing interfacesto payment networks, and many payment networks are linked to accountsheld at a banking institution. The payment networks operate bytransferring money to and from these accounts, thereby completingtransactions. Other payment networks use local banking institutions asintermediaries to transfer funds. The use of a bank can beneficial for anumber of reasons including, but not limited to, secured transactions,federal insurance and relative stability; however, disparate paymentnetworks do not have automated mechanisms to transfer fundstherebetween.

Aspects of the present invention, when implemented by a bankinginstitution, can provide automated access between such networks. In someinstances, the transactions can be implemented with the transactiondetails being transparent to the payment networks and/or the individualparticipants. For example, an individual participant could identify adesired payment network to use without requiring that a front-endpayment network (e.g., the payment network associated with the POStransaction) have a pre-existing bilateral agreement with a desiredpayment network. A specific example of such an instance involves abuyer's use of a credit card to implement a POS transaction. Consistentwith one implementation of the present invention, credit cardtransaction data is received by a banking institution, which can use apayment routing network to select a payment network, other than apayment network associated with the credit card, to complete thetransaction. Accordingly, the aspects of the present invention can beparticularly useful for providing a centralized routing system thatoperates using existing autonomous and disparate payment networks.Moreover, these approaches may be carried out using an identification ofa user, be that based upon a particular payment account (e.g., a creditcard) or based upon another form of identification (e.g., a mobile phoneaccount or a state-issued identification card (e.g., driver's license),where payment is carried out using a wholly different payment account.That is, once a buyer is identified into the system, using one or moreof a multitude of identification approaches, payment accounts andnetworks can be selected and implemented independent from any manner inwhich that buyer is identified. Seller accounts and networks can besimilarly selected.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A shows a system 100 for processingtransactions using disparate payment processing networks, according tovarious example embodiments of the present invention. The system 100 canbe operated in accordance with one or more of the above-discussedelectronic payment and transaction processing systems and approaches, aswell as those discussed in connection with the figures and thoseclaimed. In these contexts, disparate buyer and seller networks mayinvolve networks operating on different accounts that are not recognizedor otherwise accessible by other respective buyer and/or seller networksthat operate with the system 100, and can be respectively used inprocessing electronic payment for a transaction using two or more of thedisparate networks.

When electronic transaction information is received (e.g., from amerchant's point-of-sale device), the system 100 identifies the buyer inthe transaction and determines whether payment for a transaction isappropriate using a set of rules embodied and processed in a financialcontrol system 116. For instance, when a buyer wishes to purchase goodsand services from a seller (merchant), the buyer can provide accountinformation such as a credit card number to a the seller eitherphysically (i.e., at a store) or electronically when purchasing over theInternet. This information is captured together with sufficientinformation to identify transaction aspects (e.g., an amount), and isprovided to the system 100, which uses the information to approve andotherwise process the payment for the transaction in accordance with thebuyer's account rules.

A buyer/seller transaction capture interface 109 captures data fortransactions between buyers and sellers using, for example, anetwork-based interface (e.g., operating over the Internet) and/or amerchant/seller point-of-sale device that captures account informationfrom a buyer (e.g., using an identification card, credit card or debitcard). Where a point-of-sale device is used to interact with a buyer,the interaction may simply involve allowing the buyer's card to beswiped, or involve a more complex acquisition of other inputs orselections from the buyer. Numerous other interfaces can also beimplemented in accordance with these embodiments, with some of theseinterfaces and related approaches discussed in further detail herein.

The data captured by the interface 109 varies depending upon theapplication, and generally includes data pertinent to effecting paymentfor a transaction, such as identification for a buyer and a seller(and/or their respective accounts), as well as a transaction amount forpayment. Where appropriate, other transaction data such as time-stamps,transaction type (e.g., Internet purchase, storefront purchase, utilitypayments or gasoline purchases), a type of goods or services sold, orsecurity information is also captured. Exemplary types of securityinformation that may be provided with the transaction data includepersonal pin numbers, biometric data, passwords, social security numbersand interactive authentication data received via an externalcommunication device such as via email or a cellular phone.

An account selection processor 150 uses the captured data together withprofiles and business rules to select buyer and seller account/paymentsystems and input the selections to system selection processors112 and113, via inputs 114 and 115. The system selection processors 112 and 113respond to the inputs by respectively selecting buyer and seller accountprocessors 160 and 170, which each respectively interact with anautonomous payment network. The buyer and seller account processors 160and 170 respectively interact with payment networks for the particularaccount for which transactions are processed to process payment from abuyer and provide funds to a seller, less any associated transactionfees. Fee calculation and/or collection may involve, for example,applying standard network fees (e.g., credit card basis points,cost-per-use fee, interest and/or float costs), system implementer costand associated fees, and fees corresponding to write-offs (e.g., due todisputes and underwriting).

Each of the account selection, system selection and buyer/seller accountprocessor functions may be implemented using, for example, one or moreprocessors that are local and/or separate from one another, and thatexecute code to carry out the account and system selection and relatedinteraction as appropriate. Account/system selection decisions can thusbe made using one or more of a variety of criteria including thosediscussed above.

A financial control system 116 selectively interacts with one or more ofthe account selection processor 150 and the buyer and seller accountprocessors 160 and 170 to control financial aspects of transactions. Thecontrol system 116 thus may control one or more of auditing for paymentauthorization or other purposes, fraud detection (e.g., by monitoringactivity), fee calculation, compliance with government or otherrules/laws, and other related functions. Moreover, this control may beeffected using interaction with one or both of the account selectionprocessor 150, buyer processor 160 and seller processor 170, and mayfurther involve modifying aspects of transactions according to suchauditing, fraud, compliance and other conditions.

Interaction with buyer and seller payment networks via processors 160and 170 varies depending upon the application. In some instances, theinterface passes transaction data for approval/authorization, such as bypassing a transaction amount to a buyer's payment network, and interactswith seller systems (e.g., a point-of-sale terminal) to approvetransactions based upon a response from the buyer's network. In thesecontexts, and as may be implemented in a manner consistent with theabove discussion made prior to the introduction of FIG. 1A, the system100 can be used to provide interaction between disparate buyer andseller payment networks, and a transaction source such as a merchantpoint-of-sale device or related network-based device. These interactionsmay be carried out in a manner that would, for example, otherwise not bepossible with various networks on the buyer and/or seller sidesoperating using proprietary processing functions and related programmingthat are otherwise not amenable to interactive payment processing.

As discussed above, a variety of transactions may be carried out usingdisparate payment networks using the system 100. In one use-casescenario, a buyer purchasing goods from a merchant uses her credit cardat a merchant's store by swiping the credit card through the merchant'scard reader. Electronic data from the reader is sent to the interface109 together with data identifying the seller and an amount for thetransaction. The interface 109 provides the electronic data to theaccount selection processor 150, which uses profiles to identify thebuyer and merchant, and business rules to select respective accounts.For instance, the buyer may specify that payments be drawn from herdebit card account for transactions at or below $50, and that paymentsbe drawn from her credit card account for transactions above $50. Theseaccounts may or may not have a bearing upon the credit card swiped atthe merchant. The merchant may similarly specify (in its business rules)a particular payment network and related account to use for receivingpayment from the buyer. The account selection processor 150 accordinglyselects an account based upon any such rules, and provides an input(114, 115) to respective system selection processors (112, 113), whichselect an appropriate account processor to interact with respectivepayment networks to carry out the buyer and merchant sides of theelectronic transaction.

FIG. 1B shows a system 101 for transaction processing and operation in amanner similar to that shown in and discussed in connection with thesystem 100 in FIG. 1A, according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention. The system 101 includes a buyer interface 102 and aseller interface 104, which may be distinct or part of a commonarrangement, and which respectively capture buyer and seller transactiondata. The buyer interface may include a computer operating on theInternet to receive account data from the buyer, thus involving distinctand common aspects including a buyer's Internet access appliance and aseller's server. A seller's interface may include a point-of-sale cardreading device and accompanying system, which may also effectivelyinterface with the buyer either by simply allowing the buyer to swipe atransaction card (e.g., debit or credit card) or identification, or byacquiring other inputs or selections from the buyer. Numerous otherinterfaces can also be implemented in accordance with these embodiments,with some of these interfaces and related approaches discussed infurther detail herein.

A transaction data capture processor 103 effectively collects and/orprovides data including buyer identification 105, seller identification107 and transaction data 106 including a transaction amount. Whereappropriate, the transaction data 106 includes other transactioninformation such as time-stamps, transaction type, type of goods orservices sold, or security information. Exemplary types of securityinformation that may be provided with the transaction data 106 includepersonal pin numbers, biometric data, passwords, social security numbersand interactive authentication data received via an externalcommunication device such as via Internet-based email, a mobile phone orother handheld device.

The buyer and seller IDs are respectively used for selecting buyer andseller accounts at 108 and 109, which respectively provide thatinformation to system selection and routing processors 108 and 109,which route and process accounts payable and accounts receivable typesof electronic data to one of a variety of disparate buyer and selleraccount systems 117 and 118. For example, as discussed above in FIG. 1A,each of the respective buyer and seller accounts may be selected byretrieving a profile for the participant and using the retrievedprofile, together with any business rules, to select an appropriatepayment network. In some instances, the selected network can bedetermined without knowledge of the other participant, such as byselecting a payment network from which to draw funds (or debit) for abuyer, irrespective of the seller's selected payment network by which itexpects to receive payment. In other instances, the selection of apayment network for a particular transaction participant (e.g., a buyer)involves also using a profile of the other participant (e.g., a buyer),for purposes such as cost savings or security. For instance, aparticular network may be selected because a seller has a favorablebilateral agreement with a network that is usable by a buyer transactingwith the seller.

In some embodiments, transaction data 105/106/107 is packaged forsending to two different networks, with each network receiving selectiveinformation that is proprietary to that network's account or accountshaving a bearing upon the transaction. The system 101 separates buyerand seller information (e.g., identification and/or security data) fromone another, so that each network receives only that informationpertinent to payment approval and/or processing at that network. In thiscontext, the system 101 maintains the confidentiality of accountinformation while allowing disparate networks to function in accordancewith their approval and/or processing schemes.

In some implementations, the selected buyer and seller account systems(at 117, 118) interact, through the system 101, for communicatingelectronic payment data 180 for effecting a funds transfer from abuyer's account into a sellers account. As part of the funds transfer,the funds may be temporarily stored in an effective holding type ofaccount 185, or may be provided by the system 101 before drawn from abuyer's system (e.g., early payment to the seller) with the system 101collecting funds from the buyer at a later time.

In other embodiments, a buyer or seller may use different paymentsystems for different types of transactions. For example, a buyer mayspecify that a payment for a particular transaction be made from a firstaccount and related payment network (e.g., a retailer's transactioncard), such that the buyer's account with that retailer is charged. Thebuyer may then further specify that funds to cover the payment beprovided to the first account from a second account, such that the buyerhas effectively settled with the first account for the transactionamount, and now carries a balance for the covering funds on the secondaccount. Other uses of different accounts in different manners aresimilarly carried out for different embodiments, using profiles and/orbusiness rules as appropriate.

Payment and settlement between networks, such as those discussed abovein connection with FIG. 1A and with FIG. 1B, can be accomplished using anumber of different payment and settlement processes. In someembodiments, disparate networks directly communicate with one anotherwhere the networks have a bilateral agreement with one other.Transactional data received by each network can be used to reconcile thedebit and credits for a transaction by, for example, matching atransaction identifier received by each network. Electronic fundstransfer for these approaches can be carried out immediately duringtransaction processing, or on a periodic basis (e.g., daily). Where thenetworks directly communicate, they may employ different settlementoptions depending upon the implementation. The overall system can usenetwork profiles and/or business rules to determine if the networks arecompatible, and if so, which settlement rules to implement. In thiscontext a system (e.g., 101) can provide participating networks withdata sufficient to allow an appropriate funds transfer fortransaction(s) involving each other. Such data may include, for example,an identification of settlement protocols to use, communication methods,or fee calculations. This can be particularly useful for networks thatdo not have explicit bilateral agreements with one another, butnonetheless, desire to effect electronic funds transfers for paymentand/or settlement directly with one another.

In another example, one or more third parties is used to effectsettlement. For instance, a financial entity such as a bank can collectfrom a buyer network while crediting a seller network, and reconcilesthe collected and credited amounts. This approach can be particularlyuseful for facilitating transactions between networks that are eitherincompatible or unwilling to interface directly with one another. Inanother example, seller and buyer networks may be the same network, thusnot requiring interaction to effect payment or settlement.

Each selected network processes transactions according to the network'srespectively established protocols. In some cases this includes thebilling and reporting functions to the buyer and/or seller participatingin transactions. For example, a credit card network can send a statementto the buyer that includes transaction amounts for a periodic cycle, andthe buyer is then obligated to repay the proper party within the creditcard network. Likewise, the seller could be credited for the value ofthe transaction through an appropriate network and notified of thetransaction details using a transaction statement/report (mailed, onlineor otherwise).

In a particular embodiment, a portion of one or both systems 100 and 101is implemented to facilitate population of the system with buyers and/orsellers, who can then transact using one or more accounts and related towhich the system has access. In some applications, this populationapproach involves using a database of eligible buyers and/or sellers toidentify potential new participants in the system, who are notified oftheir eligibility using an acceptable mechanism. For example, a purchaseplaced by a buyer who is a participant in a network associated with thesystem can be detected and used to contact and invite the buyer toparticipate.

Once information is obtained, the population system perform one or moreof a number of different actions with this information. For instance,the identified buyer can be immediately notified of their eligibility,such as by notifying the buyer or seller of the option before atransaction is completed. In some instances, the buyer is notified ofoptions involving potential savings or other incentives available to thebuyer should he or she choose to participate. Such options may involveusing one or more preferred accounts associated with a network otherthan the network that would otherwise be used by the buyer in theinstant transaction. In another instances, the buyer is notified after atransaction has taken place, such as through a targeted mailing or emailcommunication. In still other instances, the buyer is notified ofoptions in conjunction with a subsequent statement or bill.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram for a network selection system forselecting and implementing disparate electronic payment networks ofdifferent accounts and related networks, according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. Users of the system, represented byuser 202 by way of example, access the system through a buyer sellerinterface, with interfaces 204 and 205 shown by way of example,respectively connecting to internal network 206 and external network207.

The network 206 directly connects the buyer-seller interface 204 to thesystem 200, and may involve an access network that is operated by anentity operating the system 200. For example, the system 200 may beoperated by a bank that provides debit card services in addition to (oralong with) the disparate payment network functionality. When a buyeruses such a debit card, the system 200 can identify whether or not thebuyer is a participant of the disparate network systems and actaccordingly, or otherwise interface with an appropriate card to identifythe buyer for effecting payment.

The network 207 connects the buyer-seller interface 205 to the system200 by way of an external connection, in that network 207 isindependently operated (e.g., implements disparate processing andcommunication functions). In this context, the network 207 may beimplemented as a proprietary network such as a network associated withcredit cards, debit cards or prepaid cards, and sends data fortransactions involving participating sellers to the system 200. Thenetwork 207 is thus functions to process transactions independent fromthe system 200 completely (e.g., by processing a credit card transactioninvolving a buyer and merchant who are both participants in the specificcredit card system).

For each of the various participants in the system 200, data forelectronic approval and payment of transactions is routed to a selectedone of a multitude of payment networks, with payment networks 220 and222 shown by way of example. The selected network is controlled orotherwise interacted with by the operator of system 200, by one or moredifferent entities, or by a combination thereof. A virtual walletprocessor 212 executes the selection of an appropriate account andrelated network for buyers. This virtual wallet approach facilitatesbuyer access to a number of different accounts held at a number ofdifferent networks, in essence allowing a buyer to select betweendifferent payment options without needing to use the specificidentification card (e.g., credit cards and prepaid cards) associatedwith the selected network.

The virtual wallet processor 212 selects a buyer network using buyerprofile data 216, which can include a variety of information relating tothe identification and selection of accounts. In some embodiments, theprofile data includes a predetermined selection (e.g., made by thebuyer) of a buyer network to use, or a set of data upon which accountselection may be based (e.g., based upon the type of identification usedin the transaction, buyer account status, type of transaction, amount oftransaction or data related to the seller).

In other embodiments, the profile data specifies that the buyer beprovided options by which a network can be selected, in which instancethe virtual wallet processor 212 provides the options via one or more ofa variety of approaches, ranging from the use of Internet-based access,communication with a seller interface terminal, or mobile device (e.g.,phone) communications. For example, the profile data can be used todetermine the networks that are available to the buyer and provide thatdata to the buyer for selection of the appropriate network. This can bedone in real time (e.g., using merchant interface) or at a future pointin time (e.g., through other communication, such as over the Internet).Available accounts presented for selection to the buyer may be presentedtogether with information regarding the differences between selectingdifferent accounts, such as associated fees, discounts or incentiveprograms, thereby allowing the buyer to make an informed decision.

A seller network selection processor 214 selects a seller network in amanner that may, for example, be similar to the selection of a buyernetwork. In some instances, the seller network is predetermined (e.g.,by the seller), and in another instances, the seller network is selectedusing seller profile criteria, and in other instances is selected inresponse to input from the seller.

In some embodiments, the system 200 includes a population system 210that populates the system with active and possible (or approved)participants including buyers who have accounts associated with networksthat can be accessed via system 200. The population system 210 uses adatabase of information regarding potential participants to target thosepotential participants who have accounts amenable to use with the system200 and/or are likely to participate. The population system 210 mayselect an approach to contacting potential participants, such as bydirect mailing, email notification, notification on a billing or otherstatement or a direct telephone call. These and other approaches may becarried out in a manner similar to that discussed above in connectionwith other population approaches.

The systems and approaches described above and shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1Band in FIG. 2 are amenable to implementation with a variety of differentpayment networks, point-of-sale acquisition devices and relatedoperational characteristics. Moreover, various embodiments are directedto select aspects of the systems shown in the figures, and can thus beimplemented using less than all of the shown components. In someembodiments, a software-programmed computer interface circuit isconfigured for use in a system that facilitates electronic paymentbetween sellers providing goods or services to buyers paying for thegoods or services, the electronic payment being provided betweendisparate, autonomous payment networks of the buyers and sellers. Theinterface circuit includes an electronic interface input circuit and asoftware-programmed computer routing circuit (e.g., an interface204-205, as may be implemented with one or both of 100 and 101). Theelectronic interface input circuit receives, from a seller point-of-saledevice and over at least one of the autonomous payment networks, sets oftransaction data for respective transactions, each set of transactiondata including a buyer identifier, a seller identifier, and atransaction amount. The software-programmed computer routing circuitroutes the sets of transaction data for certain ones of the transactionsto a payment network for settlement between the buyer and seller (e.g.,to an external network 207). The routing circuit also routes the sets oftransaction data for certain other ones of the transactions to anelectronic payment processing system for executing electronic paymentbetween a payment network for the buyer and a disparate, autonomouspayment network for the seller (e.g., routes to an internal network 206,as may be implemented with systems 100 and 101).

FIG. 3 shows a data flow diagram for an approach to electronic paymentnetwork selection and interaction, according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. A virtual-wallet block 304 usestransaction information 302 together with buyer profiles 306 to generateor otherwise provide transaction data 308 including purchase data (e.g.,a transaction amount and buyer account number), and informationidentifying a selected network and/or account information. Generally,the transaction information 302 is received from one or both of a sellerand buyer participating in a transaction, such as via merchant-operatedpoint-of-sale devices, and includes data identifying the seller, buyerand the transaction amount.

A routing system 310 receives and effectively routes the data 308 to aselected funding source network/account processing block 316 (orcorresponding system), either by simply passing data or by configuring,altering and/or adding to the data 308 in a manner that is amenable toprocessing with the selected funding source, in accordance with thebuyer and/or seller and the particular transaction. The selectednetwork/account processing block 316 processes the routed informationaccordingly, by recording or withdrawing funds against a buyer'saccount, and by making those funds available to effect payment to theseller.

The transaction information 302 is also used to select a sellernetwork/account system at block 320, with the information 302 receivedthrough block 316 and/or from the routing system 310, with one or bothof serial and parallel communications approaches. Information such asseller profiles from a database 322 is used together with thetransaction information 302 to select an appropriate account, and sellerdata 324 identifying the selected account and including appropriatetransaction information is passed to the routing system 310. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the seller data 324 includes data foreffecting an electronic funds transfer or other approach for providingfunds from the source account 316. The routing system 310 passes theseller data 324 to a selected destination network/account 314 processingblock (or corresponding system), which carries out appropriate sellerfunctions.

The routing system 310 can thus route transaction data to both sourceand destination networks, which can overlap. For instance, a buyer andseller can both hold accounts in a proprietary network that processesprepaid transaction cards. For such instances, the selected sourcenetwork could be the same or different from the selected destinationnetwork (e.g., relative to funds transfer), as specified via routingprofile information or otherwise). In some embodiments, the routingsystem 310 includes separate and distinct routing systems respectivelyimplemented for source and destination network routing (i.e., for buyerand seller network routing).

In another embodiment, a third party can collect from the source networkwhile crediting the destination network, thereby executing electronicfunds transfer for the transaction between the networks without a directtransfer or communication between the source and destination networks.This approach can be implemented, for example, where two disparatesource and destination networks cannot communicate with one another orwhen such communication is undesirable. The third party effectivelyinteracts with each network relatively independently, and the respectivesource and destination networks can then handle funds transfer(payment/settlement) with the buyer and seller.

FIG. 4 shows a buyer-seller interface arrangement 403 for selectiverouting between disparate systems or a single system, according toanother example embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement 403may, for example, be implemented in connection with other embodimentsdiscussed herein and shown in the figures (e.g., as interface 103 inFIG. 1B). The interface arrangement 403 uses a number of buyeridentifiers as shown at 402 to identify buyers and, more particularly,their respective accounts. These identifiers (e.g., numbers or otherdata) may pertain to credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, bankaccounts, checks, identification cards, radio-frequency identificationdevices and smart cards, as well as identifiers relating to socialsecurity numbers and telephone numbers. Thus, a variety of approachesmay be used to identify a particular account for a buyer for atransaction.

Buyer identifiers are captured at blocks 404-N to identify buyersparticipating in transactions, using one or more of a variety ofapproaches. One such capture approach involves using a card such as acredit card or an identification card bearing data using a magneticstrip, a circuit chip, a bar code or other approach. Another captureapproach involves using an input from a buyer, such as a keyed-inaccount or an account otherwise made accessible via stored data andbuyer authorization to access and use that stored data. Thesemethodologies can be useful for allowing the use of existingseller-buyer interface technology. For example, the buyer can simplypresent a credit card, or an account number associated with the card, toa merchant that passes the information along for use in capturing anidentification of the buyer.

After the buyer identifier is captured at one of blocks 404-N, a routingdecision block 406 makes a decision as to how to route, or process, datafor a transaction involving the identified buyer, with the datagenerally including the buyer identifier, the transaction amount and, insome instances, an identification of the seller. For instance, where asingle network 414 is used (e.g., where the buyer and seller bothparticipate in a common payment network or a closed network),transaction data 412 is routed to the network using a single networkinterface 410. This approach is amenable to implementation with atransaction card operating on a proprietary network that is associatedwith the card, with the transaction data 412 being routed directly tothe proprietary network.

Where disparate networks are to be used respectively for the buyer andseller sides of a transaction, the routing decision block 406 routesseparate seller (416) and buyer (418) transaction data to a disparatenetwork selector block 450. Appropriate networks are then selected atblock 450, respectively for the seller (receiving) and buyer (paying)sides of an electronic funds transfer. Where appropriate, the selectorblock 450 also effects appropriate data and other configuration toconfigure the transaction data 412, and any corresponding data from eachrespective system, so that the data is amenable to use at theappropriate networks. In these and other contexts, the selector block450 may, for example, be implemented in a manner similar to thatdescribed with selector 150 above.

In many contexts, the buyer/seller interface system/approach shown inFIG. 4 can be useful for allowing backward compatibility to participantsof preexisting networks and at the same time being compatible toparticipations of the disparate network system. This system/approach canalso be useful for allowing participants of the disparate network systemto use preexisting buyer identifiers to access the disparate networksystem.

In a more particular embodiment, the routing decision block 406 isimplemented separately for buyer and seller sides of transactions, suchthat one of the buyer and seller can use the single network 414, whilethe other uses the disparate network system. In such an embodiment,transaction information can be sent to the single network 414 as well asthe disparate network selection block 450 to allow for electronic fundstransfer involving both the single network and the network selected atblock 450. In one implementation, a third party identifier is sent tothe single network 414 to identify a disparate network system used bythe other of the seller and buyer. For example, seller-side transactiondata may be sent to the single network, while buyer-side transactiondata is sent to the disparate network system. A single network creditsthe buyer's account for the value of the transaction. The credit can besettled by collecting from the third party such as a financialinstitution. Buyer transaction data is sent to a selected buyer network,which can be disparate from the single network. The selected buyernetwork debits the appropriate account and provides a credit to thethird party.

Another implementation involves sending data identifying a selecteddisparate network to the single network 414, with the single network 414in turn using that information in effecting funds transfer. Forinstance, if seller transaction data is to be sent to the single network414 (i.e., the seller's account is on the single network), while buyertransaction data is to be sent to a disparate network system, thedisparate network system can send the selected buyer network informationback to the buyer/seller interface, which in turn sends this informationto the single network. The selected buyer network and single, sellernetwork can then perform settlement according to established bilateralagreements, or through the system 403.

According to another embodiment, the routing decision block 406 usesfeedback from one or more disparate network systems in selecting one ofthe systems to use for a particular transaction. In such embodiment,transaction data can be sent to one or more disparate network systems,which applies appropriate user profiles and/or business rules to thetransaction data in responding the interface 403, and the response isused in making a routing decision.

In a particular embodiment, routing decision block 406 is carried outentirely at (and as part of) the buyer/seller interface 403. The routingdecision can be made based upon a number of factors, such as the type ofbuyer identifier used, seller and/or buyer input to the interface, orprofile and business rule information for the seller and/or buyer.

FIG. 5 shows another buyer-seller interface arrangement 503 according toan example embodiment of the present invention. As with arrangement 403in FIG. 4, arrangement 503 may be implemented in connection with otherembodiments, such as those described with interface 103 above. Whenbuyers make purchases, they use buyer identifiers 502 which may includeone or more of variety of identifiers, such as those discussed above,carried by a transaction card, chip or otherwise provided. For instance,at least some of these identifiers may correspond to a type ofidentifier that is issued for use with a particular payment network; forexample, VISA® credit cards issued for use with the VISA® paymentnetwork or proprietary cards issued for use with a correspondingproprietary payment network. As discussed above, such identifier typesallow the buyer to use their identifier in making purchases, while notnecessarily requiring that the purchase be made using an accountassociated with the identifier (i.e., a buyer account identifier can beused to identify a buyer and correspondingly select a different accountand related payment network for payment processing).

Buyer-seller interfaces 506-N each accept one or more buyer identifiertypes as exemplified by acceptance matrix 504, and generate transactiondata using the identifier types and related transaction information(e.g., price and seller identification). The interfaces 506 send thegenerated transaction data to front-end system interfaces 508, which inturn route the transaction data, directly and/or by configuring orprocessing the data (as shown at blocks 510-M), to one of a plurality ofpayment processing networks via disparate-network router system 512/513(e.g., similar to 112/113 above). Routing may accordingly be carried outin a manner similar to that discussed, for example, in connection withFIG. 4 above.

The selection criteria used in selecting buyer and/or seller accounts inaccordance with various embodiments discussed above may include avariety of other characteristics. For instance, account selection canfactor in the type of buyer identification used, and may be differentdepending upon whether the buyer uses a credit card, a gift card, amobile phone or some other identification. The selection criteria canalso factor in balances in the buyer's accounts, such as by ensuringthat a minimum or maximum (fixed or relative) balance is maintained in acertain account. The selection criteria may also involve ensuring that acertain dollar amount is not exceeded for extended credit. Otherselection criteria involve an amount of fees that would be assessed forparticular network and transaction options, such that a buyer can avoidaccounts for which higher fees may apply, or to otherwise ensure that atransaction is processed as economically as possible. In anotherinstances, account interest rates are used as selection criteria, whichcan be useful for avoiding the use of accounts having high interestrates. Other criteria relate to the total fees due to financialtransactions necessary between selected buyer and seller accounts (e.g.,to reduce and/or minimize fees). Still other criteria specify that theuse of multiple accounts is undesirable or limited where possible, whichcan be helpful for simplifying a buyer's billing and payment options.

The selection of a seller network can also be based upon a number ofdifferent criteria, including seller profiles and business rules asdiscussed above, as well as other criteria similar to that discussedabove. For instance, rules may specify that a certain account be usedunder certain conditions relating to such criteria. Example criteriainclude a transaction amount, transaction type, expected fees, acomparison of the seller's available networks, the type of seller (e.g.,Internet seller, department store or utility company) and/or the buyer'sinformation (e.g., the buyer's available networks/accounts, creditrating or account balances). Other criteria is based upon an assumptionof risk for the transaction, such as in applications where certainnetworks underwrite the transaction and thereby assume responsibilityfor disputes, while other networks pass liability for all disputesdirectly to the seller. Other criteria relate to the buyer's reliability(or lack thereof). Still other criteria includes information regardingaccount balances in a particular network, such that a seller having anegative account balance can apply funds received from a buyer to thataccount (e.g., where the seller uses an account to both make and receivepayments). Account consolidation is another type of criteria, which canbe implemented to simplify the number of accounts that a particularseller has to monitor and use.

Transaction data is submitted to selected payment networks (e.g., forthe authorization or the actual transaction and facilitation of payment)by submitting third party data (e.g., the system implementer) in placeof the buyer data, such that the third party is used by the paymentnetwork for authorization/approval. Thus, the selected network willreceive the funds to be credited to the seller from the third party,which in turn collects settlement from a buyer for the funds credited.In some implementations, information about the buyer's network issubmitted and used for authorization/approval as discussed above. Inboth embodiments, data is appropriately formatted to match the selectedseller network.

Settlement for payments using credit extended to a buyer can beimplemented in a number of different manners. In some applications, aselected seller network receives payment directly from a buyer's accountthat is held within the buyer network. The selected seller network andrelated account provides a statement to seller noting the payment. Inanother example, a third party (e.g., the implementer of a system suchas system 100 or 101) can provide a statement to the seller, withpayment processed accordingly. The collection of funds from the buyercan be effected using a bilateral agreement between a buyer network andthe selected seller network, or facilitated by a third party (e.g., thesystem implementer as above), which allows for the networks to establisha suitable settlement option between themselves.

In various embodiments, credit and/or debit functions are delayed toallow for future approval and/or future payment/settlement selectionoptions. For instance, a third party system operator may holdtransaction data and/or funds for a period of time before forwarding thetransactional data to the selected network. Transactions can beauthorized prior to network selection, which is useful, for example,when a buyer is purchasing goods from a merchant. During the delayperiod of time, participating buyers and sellers can select anappropriate network.

A specific embodiment of the present invention is implemented for usewith buyers who subscribe to mobile phone services provided by a mobilephone service provider. In some implementations, the buyer uses themobile phone and/or mobile phone account to effect a transaction, andbased upon the buyer's account with the mobile phone service provider, anumber of payment and settlement options are provided to the buyer. Onesettlement option includes charging the buyer's mobile phone account fora purchase, which can be useful for consolidating charges that the buyermakes with the mobile phone services into a single account and resultingbill. The mobile phone account can be selected as discussed above, suchthat the mobile phone and related account need not be used as anidentification source (e.g., a phone user's credit card may be used).Other settlement options include using other accounts for the buyer asdiscussed above, which can alleviate the need for the buyer to carryadditional account information (e.g., he or she simply needs to carry amobile phone, and does not need to carry credit cards, debit cards orother account information).

Buyer identifiers that can be used with these mobile phone-basedapproaches include, for example, an external identifier such as a creditcard number, or an internal identifier such as the buyer's mobile phonenumber. Applications involving a mobile phone account can thus beimplemented in connection with above approaches, such as those describedin connection with FIG. 1A and with FIG. 1B, with the buyer's mobilephone account being a possible selection for transaction processingand/or provision/collection of funds, with the mobile phone number beingan example buyer identification.

In some instances, the mobile phone is used to make purchases, such asdownloads, Internet purchases for products and/or services, or gasolineand department store purchase, with the mobile phone effectively actingas an interface and/or identification device (e.g., similar to a creditcard). In such instances, the mobile phone identifier can be providedautomatically by the mobile phone device or inputted manual by thebuyer, with automatically provided identifiers implemented, for example,according to an available buyer-seller interface. In one application, anencrypted authorization code is sent to a buyer-seller interface duringan Internet purchase. In another implementation, aradio-frequency-identification (RFID) chip is used to send an identifierto the buyer-seller interface during a POS sale.

A variety of authentication procedures can be implemented using a mobilephone-based approach. For instance, a secure code can be entered by abuyer or a secure identifier can be provided by the mobile phone andconfirmed by the buyer. Confirmation can be obtained using a messagesent and/or received at the mobile phone to confirm that a particulartransaction is appropriate. Such a message may involve sending aconfirmation text message from the phone, and using that message at acontrol system (e.g., as in the figures) to authenticate thetransaction. Location-based messages or simply data may be used toconfirm that the mobile phone is actually located at the point-of-sale.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention.Based on the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in theart will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may bemade to the present invention without strictly following the exemplaryembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. Forinstance, such changes may include the implementation of variouscomponents by different entities who may or may not operate at armslength from one another. Other embodiments and implementations aredirected to the combination of approaches described herein with thefigures and/or otherwise, as well as those described in theabove-referenced provisional application and in the claims. In addition,various embodiments are directed to a processor that executes code tocarry out the steps and/or functions as described above, in connectionwith the figures or otherwise. A corresponding embodiment is directed toa computer system that communicates with a remote seller/merchantpoint-of-sale device to receive buyer identification data, selleridentification data and a transaction amount, and to select andimplement one or more of a variety of disparate buyer and/or selleraccounts and related system using the received data. Such modificationsand changes do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

1. A software-programmed computer interface circuit for use in a systemthat facilitates electronic payment between sellers providing goods orservices to buyers paying for the goods or services, the electronicpayment being provided between disparate, autonomous payment networks ofthe buyers and sellers, the interface circuit comprising: an electronicinterface input circuit to receive, from a seller point-of-sale deviceand over at least one of the autonomous payment networks, sets oftransaction data for respective transactions, each set of transactiondata including a buyer identifier, a seller identifier, and atransaction amount; and a software-programmed computer routing circuitconfigured to execute an algorithm using the buyer identifier and selleridentifier to route the sets of transaction data for certain ones of thetransactions to a payment network for settlement between the buyer andseller, and route the sets of transaction data for certain other ones ofthe transactions to an electronic payment processing system forexecuting electronic payment between a payment network for the buyer anda disparate, autonomous payment network for the seller.
 2. The circuitof claim 1, wherein the software-programmed computer routing circuit isconfigured to route the sets of transaction data for certain ones of thetransactions to a payment network for settlement between the buyer andseller by routing a set of transaction data to a single payment networkthat processes the data to provide electronic payment from the buyer tothe seller.
 3. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the software-programmedcomputer routing circuit is configured to route the sets of transactiondata for certain other ones of the transactions to an electronic paymentprocessing system that uses a first payment network for the buyer and adisparate, autonomous second payment network for the seller by routing aset of transaction data to the first payment network to provideelectronic funds for the transaction, and routing a set of transactiondata to the disparate payment network to facilitate the payment ofelectronic funds to cover the transaction.
 4. The circuit of claim 1,wherein the software-programmed computer routing circuit is configuredwith a plurality of software-based payment network interface modules toelectronically communicate with associated payment networks usingprotocols specific to the associated payment network to whichcommunications are sent, and a software-based control module to, for thesets of transaction data received for each transaction, use thetransaction data to identify participant ID data for at least oneparticipant in the transaction, retrieve business rules dataelectronically associated with the participant ID data, use theretrieved business rules data to select one of the payment networkinterface modules to process electronic payment for the transaction, andcontrol the selected payment network interface module to electronicallycommunicate payment data for the transaction data to the module'sassociated payment network, using protocols specific to the associatedpayment network, to facilitate payment for the transaction.
 5. Thecircuit of claim 1, wherein the software-programmed computer routingcircuit is configured to select at least one of the payment networks byexecuting an algorithm using at least one of the buyer identifier andthe seller identifier to select a payment network independently from anyassociation between the seller identification data and the selectednetwork.
 6. The circuit of claim 1, wherein the software-programmedcomputer routing circuit is configured to select at least one of thepayment networks by executing an algorithm using at least one of thebuyer identifier and the seller identifier to select a payment networkthat is different from a payment network associated with the at leastone of the buyer identifier and the seller identifier.
 7. Acomputer-implemented method for use in a system that facilitateselectronic payment between sellers providing goods or services to buyerspaying for the goods or services, the electronic payment being providedbetween disparate, autonomous payment networks of the buyers andsellers, the method comprising receiving, from a seller point-of-saledevice and over at least one of the autonomous payment networks, sets oftransaction data for respective transactions, each set of transactiondata including a buyer identifier, a seller identifier, and atransaction amount; routing the sets of transaction data for certainones of the transactions to a payment network for settlement between thebuyer and seller, and routing the sets of transaction data for certainother ones of the transactions to an electronic payment processingsystem for executing electronic payment between a payment network forthe buyer and a disparate, autonomous payment network for the seller. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein routing the sets of transaction data forcertain ones of the transactions to a payment network for settlementbetween the buyer and seller includes routing a set of transaction datato a single payment network that processes the data to provideelectronic payment from the buyer to the seller.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein routing the sets of transaction data for certain other onesof the transactions to an electronic payment processing system that usesa first payment network for the buyer and a disparate, autonomous secondpayment network for the seller includes routing a set of transactiondata to the first payment network to provide electronic funds for thetransaction, and routing a set of transaction data to the disparatepayment network to facilitate the payment of electronic funds to coverthe transaction.
 10. The method of claim 7, further includingidentifying, from each set of transaction data, participant ID data forat least one participant in the transaction, retrieving business rulesdata electronically associated with the participant ID data, using theretrieved business rules data to select one of a plurality ofsoftware-based payment network interface modules configured toelectronically communicate with associated payment networks usingprotocols specific to the associated payment network to whichcommunications are sent, and controlling the selected payment networkinterface module to electronically communicate payment data for thetransaction data to the module's associated payment network, usingprotocols specific to the associated payment network, to facilitatepayment for the transaction.
 11. A computer-readable storage medium forstoring electronic data that, when executed by a software-programmedcomputer processor circuit, causes the processor circuit to implementthe following steps to facilitate electronic payment between sellersproviding goods or services to buyers paying for the goods or services,the electronic payment being provided between disparate, autonomouspayment networks of the buyers and sellers, the steps comprising:receiving, from a seller point-of-sale device and over at least one ofthe autonomous payment networks, sets of transaction data for respectivetransactions, each set of transaction data including a buyer identifier,a seller identifier, and a transaction amount; routing the sets oftransaction data for certain ones of the transactions to a paymentnetwork for settlement between the buyer and seller, and routing thesets of transaction data for certain other ones of the transactions toan electronic payment processing system for executing electronic paymentbetween a payment network for the buyer and a disparate, autonomouspayment network for the seller.
 12. A computer-implemented system thatfacilitates electronic payment between sellers providing goods orservices to buyers paying for the goods or services, the payment beingprovided between disparate payment networks of the buyers and sellersand the buyers collectively using a plurality of electronic buyeridentifier types, each identifier type issued for use with one or morepayment networks, the system comprising: a plurality of electronic datainterfaces to receive sets of electronic transaction data, each data setincluding buyer identifier data, seller identifier data, and dataidentifying a transaction amount, each interface accepting datarepresenting a respective subset of the buyer identifier types; and asoftware-programmed computer routing circuit configured to route thesets of electronic transaction data from the plurality of interfaces toa routing circuit that routes the transaction data to an electronicpayment network that is different from the one or more payment networksfor which the electronic identifier type is issued.